Ford: front end alignment, caster camber, front end alignment

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
I had new tires put on my ford f150 ext cab truck today and then took it to Shorty Bear for front end alignment.  They said that they had to install an alignment kit before the alignment could be done.  Caster/camber sleeves were on the parts description side for 70.49 and then 59.00 labor plus another 45.00 for the alignment.  Is this necessary just for an alignment?  My old tires were wearing on the inside.  My truck has 38000 miles on it. Please respond.
Thanks much.
Coette
3-10-05  Thank you so much for responding.  My truck is a 1998.  Please let me hear from you.
Coette
Answer -
Coette,

There is no such thing as an alignment kit for  a Ford F150. It is a cold steel alignment, which is where they heat the parts and bend them accordingly to align the front end (heat 'em and beat 'em) but only to be done by a shop that has the proper tools to do so. Some trucks have caster/camber sleeves but as a general rule of thumb, most do not. As I said, there is no alignment kit. As you did not give me the year of your truck, I can not tell you for certain if your truck has caster/camber sleeves or not. If you wish me to identify if your truck does or does not have these components, please respond with the year of your ford and I would be happy to verify this for you.


Ken

Answer
Coette,

In 1998, Ford made half the trucks with castor/camber and half without. Yours more than likely has caster/camber. But again, let me emphasize that there is no alignment kit that I have ever heard of. Hope that this helps and good luck.


Ken